Cultural Equity Initiatives

The Cultural Equity Initiatives (CEI) grants, offered by the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC), are a cornerstone of their grants program. This program is rooted in the legacy of the Cultural Equity Endowment, aiming to support San Francisco-based arts organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities. The grant provides flexible, multi-year core support for day-to-day operations, aligning with SFAC's mission to foster artistic expression and leadership reflective of San Francisco's rich cultural heritage. The CEI grant program targets small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco with annual operating revenue under $2,000,000, or verified operational budgets without pass-through funds for organizations exceeding this cap due to re-granting. It specifically prioritizes organizations deeply rooted in historically marginalized communities as highlighted in the Cultural Equity Endowment legislation. The program's impact goals include providing stability for these organizations, enabling them to sustain operations, develop staff, and continue their artistic programming. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: supporting organizations deeply embedded in San Francisco communities, fostering artistic expression and arts leadership that reflects the city's diverse cultural heritage, and providing flexibility to address sustainability challenges in operations and staff development. Grant funds can be used for general operating expenses such as administrative/staff salaries, utilities, rent, and office supplies, as well as for project costs, professional development, artistic planning, programming, and sabbaticals. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational stability and resilience for San Francisco's small and mid-sized arts organizations, particularly those serving historically marginalized communities. By offering core support and flexibility, the CEI program aims to enable these organizations to continue their vital work, ensuring a thriving and equitable arts landscape in San Francisco. The long-term impact is the amplification of diverse artistic voices and the strengthening of cultural equity within the city. The grant period is July 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.